Ashdown calls on Rennard to back down in Lib Dem turmoil

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Lord Ashdown spoke of his admiration for Lord Rennard but said he was wrong

Jenny Booth

Last updated at 2:22PM, January 21 2014

The former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon has
called on Lord Rennard to back down and apologise over the sexual harassment
scandal convulsing the party.

He spoke out as it emerged that Lord Rennard, the party’s former chief
executive who was accused of inappropriate touching by four women activists,
is to start legal proceedings against the party after it suspended his
membership.

Sources close to the peer said that an injunction would be taken out “within
days” to stop the party’s latest inquiry into his refusal to say sorry.